Canadians revel in major snow storm

MONTREAL – Many schools and shops were shuttered across eastern Canada, flights were delayed, and driving was treacherous on Feb 13, but Canadians revelled in a major snow storm.

“I love it,” Montreal resident Caroline Hervochon told AFP.

“It’s been a long time since we had a big snowfall like that. I really like it. People are super happy. It’s so beautiful,” she said. “It really feels good.”

A winter storm started blanketing the capital Ottawa on the evening of Feb 12, as well as major cities Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City.

It brought a “significant snowfall”, or up to 30cm of snow overnight from Feb 12 to 13, according to Canada’s weather service.

And another 40cm of snow was forecast for the next 24 hours, with wind gusts of up to 80kmh causing blowing snow and limiting visibility.

Airlines cancelled or delayed flights at Canada’s largest airport in Toronto.

Across the region, hundreds and hundreds of snow ploughs were busy clearing streets and highways.

People were spotted going out with shovels two or three times in just a few hours to shovel sidewalks over and over.

Officials advised Canadians to take frequent breaks and avoid strain.

According to weather officials, the average amount of snow falling in eastern Canada has been mostly trending down in recent years.

Said Mr Jean Bouchard, a resident who was clearing his driveway: “Over the years, probably with global warming, there is a lot less snow than before.”

He added: “In fact, we look forward to (snowstorms) now, because there are few of them.”

Dr Chiara Letizia, a university professor whose classes were cancelled for the day, commented: “I’m happy. For me, snow is like a party.”

“I think it’s great and fun. It’s time to get out your winter sports gear. It’s good for morale,” said Ms Leila Gillespie-Cloutier, as she skied along a Montreal street. AFP